Wind energy generates twice as many jobs in the Basque Country as coal does across the whole of Spain
The figure was provided by the Basque Energy Agency (EVE), which is finalising preparations for this first half-year's major European wind event — WindEurope — which will take place in Bilbao during the first week of April. "The Basque wind sector," they explain from the EVE, "accounts for 4,000 jobs and a turnover of 15.7 million euros" (coal mining employed 1,590 people in Spain in February 2019, according to the State Secretariat for Social Security, part of the Ministry of Labour).
The organisation that brings together the European wind industry — WindEurope — is holding its major event of the year in Bilbao. And on this occasion it is doing so in the city of the Nervión because it considers the Basque Country a "fantastic example of how the wind industry supports local jobs, investment and growth". Scope of the exhibition: The sector's leading trade fair expects 300 exhibiting companies from around 50 countries. Basque representation: 18 companies will have their own exhibition space, while another 37 companies will be part of the Euskadi-Basque Country area, coordinated by the EVE, which will occupy 800 square metres in Hall 1 of the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (venue of WindEurope 2019). Main attractions in the EVE space. Interactive audiovisual tool: showcases the potential of the Biscay Marine Energy Platform (BiMEP), a real-sea testing infrastructure to research, demonstrate and exploit marine energy and offshore wind devices, with two areas located in Mutriku and Armintza.
The space will feature a television set where interviews will be conducted with different entities and companies. In addition, a reception held each midday, on 2, 3 and 4 April in the Euskadi-Basque Country area, will bring together visiting companies and entities so they can establish relationships through a showcase of Basque gastronomy and culture.
Companies present in the Euskadi-Basque Country area, together with the Basque Energy Agency and the Energy Cluster
Hine, Antec, Protection, Hws Towers, Incomimex, Erreka, Alerion, Gureak Energy, Glualeuskal Forging, Laulagun Bearings, Haizea Wind, Supra Systems, Intza, Trafag, Kimua Group, Mugape, Ikerlan, Tecnalia, Galea, Aeroblade, Maxwind Technology, Jaure, Upv/Ehu, Nautilus, Navacel, Vicinay Marine, Uniport, Ormazabal, Saitec Offshore, Foro Marítimo Vasco, Autoridad Portuaria Bilbao, Egamaster, Xubi-Renogear Eickhoff (Xubi), Industrias Ferri, Análisis y Simulación (AyS).
Companies present at the fair with their own exhibition space
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Iberdrola, Roxtec, GES-Global Energy Service, Industrial Barranquesa, Jatorman, Murrplastik, Predycsa, NEM Solutions, Goimek, Fosroc Euco, Lancor, Ingeteam/Indar, Slingsintt, Tamoin, Atten2 Advanced Monitoring Technologies, Virlab Vibration and Shock Testing Laboratory.
